Effect of varying levels of salt (sodium chloride) on the performance characteristics of snails (Archachatina marginata)

Abstract

Purpose

Some snail farmers in Nigeria believe that inclusion of table salt (Nacl) in the diet of snails will have an adverse effect and result in mortality. Hence, this study aims to assess the effect of inclusion of common salt (Nacl) in the diet of the growing snail.

Design/methodology/approach

Four dietary treatments of the same energy and protein values; S_a, S_b, S_c and S_d were formulated to contain 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 per cent Nacl, respectively. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 15 growing snails per replicate in a completely randomized design. The snails were reared in a cage of 12 compartments. Feed intake and weight gain were measured on a daily and weekly basis with the use of a sensitive weight scale. Shell length and width were measured by vernier caliper. An observation of mortality was made. The study lasted for six months.

Findings

The results show that feed intake and weight gain were better in the diet containing 0.2 per cent salt than the control with 0 per cent salt inclusion. The feed was better utilized in all the treatments than in the control diet. The digestibility was also better in all the treatments than the 0 per cent salt inclusion. It was observed that no mortality was recorded in any of the treatments.

Originality/value

The results establish that inclusion of salt up to 0.3 per cent in the diet of growing snails did not have an adverse effect on feed intake, weight gain and survivability as against the belief of some farmers that salt should not be included in the diet of snails.

Citation

Omole, A.J., Ogbosuka, G.E., Oredehin, A.O. and Osayomi, J.O. (2008), "Effect of varying levels of salt (sodium chloride) on the performance characteristics of snails (Archachatina marginata)", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 38 No. 6, pp. 555-558. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346650810920150